CLONES, the atmosphere, Fermanagh’s shock win over Monaghan last weekend, Down’s semi-final victory over the Farneymen last year, even tomorrow’s opponents Donegal…
None of those factors are key for Down, says manager Eamonn Burns. The important thing for him is that the Mournemen produce their best tomorrow and if they do, he feels they have a chance of reaching the Ulster final.
“If we don’t produce our best, I don’t think we’ll win and we’re very aware of that,” said the Bryansford clubman who guided Down to the Ulster final last year.
“We’re going to have to play better than we have so far this year if we’re going to get a result.
“Let’s be realistic about it, we’re going into this as massive underdogs and Donegal will be firm favourites and rightly so. If we’re going to spring a surprise we’re going to have to play really, really well.
“The important thing going into the game is how we play.
“Obviously there are things Donegal will do that we have to be mindful of, but the most important aspect is how we play and I think if we can play at Donegal we have a chance. That’s very important for us.”
So far in the Championship, Donegal have looked comfortable in recording an eight-point win over Cavan in the preliminary round and a six-point success over Derry at the quarter-final stage, racking up 4-36 over those two games.
“They’ve been very impressive in their first two outings,” said Burns.
“They’re very strong in the way they lay their team out and they present a formidable task to us.
“We did enough to beat Antrim, I wouldn’t say we did very well and we had an awful lot to work on going into this game. We knew Antrim would come with a defensive system and we managed to deal with it okay but the Donegal system will be a bit more rigorous and rigid than Antrim’s was.
“Donegal have a lot of very experienced players and they have a lot of young talent coming through.
“They have a good balance and they have a number of marquee forwards like Paddy McBrearty – who’s been playing very well in the Championship and will be a threat if he gets enough ball – so there are a lot of bases we have to cover on Sunday.”
There is no doubt about the potency of the Donegal attack but, at the other end, Declan Bonner’s men conceded 1-15 against Cavan and 16 points to Derry. Burns has named fit-again Ryan Johnston in his side for tomorrow’s clash and the Kilcoo forward is expected to operate around the half-forward line tomorrow.
“Everybody is available,” said Burns.
“Two weeks is a very quick turnaround and we had a couple of wee niggles that we’ve got sorted out. Everybody is good to go and the form is good, but getting ready for a Championship semi-final in two weeks puts people under pressure.”
He added: “The whole attraction of Championship football is that it can throw up surprises and last weekend (underdogs Fermanagh beating Monaghan) was a case in point.
“But I don’t think that will have any bearing on Down playing Donegal. We just have to make sure that we’re ready to go on Sunday afternoon and that we’re prepared to play at the top of our game if we’re going to win.”
